Means for operating an MRI device within a RF-magnetic environment

ABSTRACT

An MRI device that reduces radio-frequency (RF) interference and the effect of the MRI&#39;s magnet, within an active RF-magnetic environment. The device relies on a shield. The device includes a uniform non-fringing magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD), an RF shielding means either embedded within or in connection with the UNF-MRD for providing the UNF-MRD a radio interference immunity (RII) from RF-electromagnetic environment surrounding the same.

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/932,820, filed Jan. 29, 2014, which is incorporatedin its entirety by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an MRI device that reducesradio-frequency (RF) interference as well as reduces the effect of theMRI's magnet, within an active RF-magnetic environment. Moreparticularly, the invention pertains to a non-fringing magnetic fieldresonance MRI device having RF shielding means, to methods thereof andto standard of care for safe operation of MRI devices in an RF-magneticenvironment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is a form of energy emitted and absorbedby charged particles which exhibit wave-like behavior as it travelsthrough space. EMR is classified according to the frequency of its wave.It consists of radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visiblelight, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and gamma rays. Theelectro-magnetic radiation is called radio-frequency (RF) radiation whenit is within the radio wave range.

RF interference is disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due toeither electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation emittedfrom an external source within the radio wave range. The disturbance mayinterrupt, obstruct, or otherwise degrade or limit the effectiveperformance of the circuit. These effects can range from a simpledegradation of data to a total loss of data. The source may be anyobject, artificial or natural, that carries rapidly changing electricalcurrents, such as an electrical circuit, the Sun or the Northern Lights.

Hospital is an environment highly dense with apparatus emitting RFradiation, ranging from medical equipment, through communication devicessuch as intercoms and call units to electric personal gear of hospitalstaff, patients and their families. All these electric apparatus mayinterfere and disturb the function of each other.

The most important outcome of RF interference within a hospital isdysfunction of medical equipment. For example, an MRI that depends on anRF coil which its shift resulting from RF interference will change thereadings of the machine and as a result will give inaccurate data. TheRF interference will also obstruct RF-dependent cordless interactionbetween medical devices. For example, a monitor transmitting data to thenurse unit may send inaccurate and shifted signals that may cost a life.Although not life threatening, RF interference of medical devices withcellular reception is a burdensome nuisance, especially for patient andtheir relatives as well as the medical staff.

There thus remains a long felt and unmet need for a uniform non-fringingmagnetic field resonance MRI device that functions within an activeRF-magnetic environment without being affected by other ferromagnetic RFtransmitting devices and without affecting their function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, In a uniformnon-fringing magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD), an RF shieldingmeans for providing radio interference immunity (RII) to the UNF-MRDfrom RF-electromagnetic environment surrounding the same; wherein no RFand magnetic interference between the UNF-MRD and the RF-electromagneticenvironment are generated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD comprising (a) a main longitudinal axis with a distal andproximal ends; (b) an open bore extended along the axis and terminatedby an aperture located in the proximal end; and (c) a closure assemblywhich is shaped to fit the aperture.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the RFshielding means comprises an RF shielding conduit (RFSC), havingapertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from theexternal environment of the UNF-MRD to inner space of the bore, affixedto the closure assembly, the conduit is characterized by a length (l)and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined value n, therebyproviding RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRFSC is connected in a non-protruding manner to the closure assembly,thereby indirect access is provided between the bore and the externalenvironment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRFSC profile along the width is of a shape selected from a groupconsisting of: curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape, C-shaped, V-shaped,W-shaped, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, cylinder, polygonal, straightfaced, curved, closed shape, open shape and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRFSC comprises a wall along the length; the wall is of a shape selectedfrom a group consisting of: straight, curved, polygonal, symmetrical,non-symmetrical and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein atleast a portion of the RFSC comprises electromagnetic conductivematerial.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theconduit is configured to shield the passage of frequencies selected froma group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 toabout 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theconduit is configured to shield electro-magnetic interference by meansselected from a group consisting of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguidefilter, attenuating material, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein atleast a portion of the RFSC comprises shielding selected from a groupconsisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRFSC is affixed to the closure assembly further comprising a hingehaving at least one first connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD andat least one second connecting member, connected to the closureassembly, further wherein at least one first connecting member ismaneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the RFshielding means comprises an RF shielding hinge (RFSH); the RFSHcomprises at least one first connecting member connected to the UNF-MRDor the open bore thereof and at least one second connecting member,connected to the closure assembly; at least one first connecting memberis maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member; theRFSH comprising a conduit, having apertures shaped to permit passage ofmedical equipment tubing from the external environment of the MRD toinner space of the bore, the conduit having a length (l) and width (w)is provided within at least a portion of the one first member, at leasta portion of the one second member or in at least a portion of bothmembers; l:w ratio is greater than a predefined value n, thereby RFshielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRFSH member connected to the UNF-MRD is connected at a location selectedfrom a group consisting of: at least a portion of the UNF-MRD externalwall, within at least a portion of the bore, at least a portion of theUNF-MRD aperture perimeter and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thehinge first connecting member is connected at a location, in respect tothe UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a group consisting of: left, right,below, above and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein atleast a portion of the RFSH comprises shielding selected from a groupconsisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theconduit is configured to shield the passage of frequencies selected froma group consisting of: 0-1000 MHz, 0-500 MHz, 0-200 MHz and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theconduit is configured to shield electro-magnetic interference by meansselected from a group of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter,attenuating material, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the RFinterference is within a predetermined range.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein therange is selected from a group consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the RFshielding means reject frequencies in within a predetermined range.

The RF shielding means of claim 19, wherein the range is selected from agroup consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about0 to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRF-electromagnetic environment includes an item selected from a groupconsisting of RF welders, electronic article surveillance and RFidentification devices, cordless phones, FM and AM broadcasting andreceiving devices, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the RFinterference is selected from a group consisting of continuousinterference, transient interference, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined value is about 100 dB.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein themagnetic field within a predetermined radius from the UNF-MRD is lessthan a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the predeterminedvalue is less than about 20 mT.

20 mT is the weakest magnetism that may erase information from a creditcard.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRII provides no zipper effect in images produced by the UNF-MRD.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD provides images with no Herringbone effect.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials located further thana predetermined distance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method foreliminating RF interference between a uniform non-fringing magneticfield resonance device (UNF-MRD) and an RF-electromagnetic environmentsurrounding the same, comprising steps of: (a) obtaining a UNF-MRD; and,(b) embedding RF shielding means; the RF shielding means provides radiointerference immunity (RII) to the UNF-MRD from RF-electromagneticenvironment; thereby, no RF and magnetic interference between theUNF-MRD and the RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a main longitudinalaxis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open bore extended alongthe axis and terminated by an aperture located in the proximal end; and(c) a closure assembly which is shaped to fit the aperture.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit (RFSC) for the RFshielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped to permit passage ofmedical equipment tubing from the external environment of the UNF-MRD toinner space of the bore, affixed to the closure assembly, wherein theconduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio isgreater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a non-protruding manner tothe closure assembly, thereby providing indirect access between the boreand the external environment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along the width is of ashape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape,C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, cylinder,polygonal, straight faced, curved, closed shape, open shape and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing a wall along the length; the wall is of ashape selected from a group consisting of: straight, curved, polygonal,symmetrical, non-symmetrical and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,electromagnetic conductive material.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group consistingof: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,shielding selected from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RFshielding, physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure assembly furthercomprising a hinge having at least one first connecting member connectedto the UNF-MRD and at least one second connecting member, connected tothe closure assembly, further wherein at least one first connectingmember is maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge (RFSH) for the RFshielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one first connecting memberconnected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore thereof and at least onesecond connecting member, connected to the closure assembly; at leastone first connecting member is maneuverably coupled to at least onesecond connecting member; the RFSH comprising a conduit, havingapertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from theexternal environment of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduithaving a length (l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portionof the one first member, at least a portion of the one second member orin at least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than apredefined value n, thereby RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the UNF-MRD isconnected at a location selected from a group consisting of: at least aportion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at least a portion of thebore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD aperture perimeter and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the hinge first connecting member at alocation, in respect to the UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a groupconsisting of: left, right, below, above and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting at least a portion of the RFSH comprisesshielding from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding,physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group of:waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of defining the RF interference within a predeterminedrange.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means frequencies inwithin a predetermined range.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRF-electromagnetic environment includes an item selected from a groupconsisting of RF welders, electronic article surveillance and RFidentification devices, cordless phones, FM and AM broadcasting andreceiving devices, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RF interference from a groupconsisting of continuous interference, transient interference, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined value is about 100 dB.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein themagnetic field within a predetermined radius from the UNF-MRD is lessthan a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the predeterminedvalue is less than about 20 mT.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing no zipper effect by the RII in imagesproduced by the UNF-MRD.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images with no Herringboneeffect.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials located further thana predetermined distance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, whereinsubjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD are notobligated to be detached from medical equipment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of passing the medical equipment tubing through theconduit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method formanufacturing a uniform non-fringing magnetic field resonance device(UNF-MRD) for imaging within an RF-electromagnetic environmentsurrounding the same, comprising steps of: (a) obtaining an UNF-MRD;and, (b) embedding RF shielding means; the RF shielding means providesradio interference immunity (RII) to the UNF-MRD from RF-electromagneticenvironment; thereby, no RF and magnetic interference between theUNF-MRD and the RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a main longitudinalaxis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open bore extended alongthe axis and terminated by an aperture located in the proximal end; and(c) a closure assembly which is shaped to fit the aperture.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit (RFSC) for the RFshielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped to permit passage ofmedical equipment tubing from the external environment of the UNF-MRD toinner space of the bore, affixed to the closure assembly, wherein theconduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio isgreater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a non-protruding manner tothe closure assembly, thereby providing indirect access between the boreand the external environment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along the width is of ashape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape,C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, cylinder,polygonal, straight faced, curved, closed shape, open shape and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing a wall along the length; the wall is of ashape selected from a group consisting of: straight, curved, polygonal,symmetrical, non symmetrical and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,electromagnetic conductive material.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group consistingof: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,shielding selected from a group consisting of magnetic shielding, RFshielding, physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure assembly furthercomprising a hinge having at least one first connecting member connectedto the UNF-MRD and at least one second connecting member, connected tothe closure assembly, further wherein at least one first connectingmember is maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge (RFSH) for the RFshielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one first connecting memberconnected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore thereof and at least onesecond connecting member, connected to the closure assembly; at leastone first connecting member is maneuverably coupled to at least onesecond connecting member; the RFSH comprising a conduit, havingapertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from theexternal environment of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduithaving a length (l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portionof the one first member, at least a portion of the one second member orin at least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than apredefined value n, thereby RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the UNF-MRD isconnected at a location selected from a group consisting of: at least aportion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at least a portion of thebore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD aperture perimeter and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the hinge first connecting member at alocation, in respect to the UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a groupconsisting of: left, right, below, above and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting at least a portion of the RFSH comprisesshielding from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding,physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group of:waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of defining the RF interference within a predeterminedrange.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means frequencies inwithin a predetermined range.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRF-electromagnetic environment includes an item selected from a groupconsisting of RF welders, electronic article surveillance and RFidentification devices, cordless phones, FM and AM broadcasting andreceiving devices, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RF interference from a groupconsisting of continuous interference, transient interference, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined value is about 100 dB.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein themagnetic field within a predetermined radius from the UNF-MRD is lessthan a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the predeterminedvalue is less than about 20 mT.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing no Zipper effect by the RII in imagesproduced by the UNF-MRD.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images with no Herringboneeffect.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials located further thana predetermined distance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, whereinsubjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD are notobligated to be detached from medical equipment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of passing the medical equipment tubing through theconduit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a standard ofcare (SOC) method for imaging a uniform non-fringing magnetic fieldresonance device (UNF-MRD) for imaging within an RF-electromagneticenvironment surrounding the same, comprising steps of: (a) obtaining anUNF-MRD; and, (b) embedding RF shielding means; the RF shielding meansprovides radio interference immunity (RII) to the UNF-MRD fromRF-electromagnetic environment; thereby, no RF and magnetic interferencebetween the UNF-MRD and the RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a main longitudinalaxis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open bore extended alongthe axis and terminated by an aperture located in the proximal end; and(c) a closure assembly which is shaped to fit the aperture.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit (RFSC) for the RFshielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped to permit passage ofmedical equipment tubing from the external environment of the UNF-MRD toinner space of the bore, affixed to the closure assembly, wherein theconduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio isgreater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a non-protruding manner tothe closure assembly, thereby providing indirect access between the boreand the external environment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along the width is of ashape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape,C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, cylinder,polygonal, straight faced, curved, closed shape, open shape and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing a wall along the length; the wall is of ashape selected from a group consisting of: straight, curved, polygonal,symmetrical, non-symmetrical and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,electromagnetic conductive material.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group consistingof waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,shielding selected from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RFshielding, physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure assembly furthercomprising a hinge having at least one first connecting member connectedto the UNF-MRD and at least one second connecting member, connected tothe closure assembly, further wherein at least one first connectingmember is maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge (RFSH) for the RFshielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one first connecting memberconnected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore thereof and at least onesecond connecting member, connected to the closure assembly; at leastone first connecting member is maneuverably coupled to at least onesecond connecting member; the RFSH comprising a conduit, havingapertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from theexternal environment of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduithaving a length (l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portionof the one first member, at least a portion of the one second member orin at least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than apredefined value n, thereby RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the UNF-MRD isconnected at a location selected from a group consisting of: at least aportion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at least a portion of thebore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD aperture perimeter and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the hinge first connecting member at alocation, in respect to the UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a groupconsisting of: left, right, below, above and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting at least a portion of the RFSH comprisesshielding from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding,physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group of:waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of defining the RF interference within a predeterminedrange.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means frequencies inwithin a predetermined range.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRF-electromagnetic environment includes an item selected from a groupconsisting of RF welders, electronic article surveillance and RFidentification devices, cordless phones, FM and AM broadcasting andreceiving devices, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RF interference from a groupconsisting of continuous interference, transient interference, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined value is about 100 dB.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein themagnetic field within a predetermined radius from the UNF-MRD is lessthan a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the predeterminedvalue is less than about 20 mT.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing no zipper effect by the RII in imagesproduced by the UNF-MRD.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images with no Herringboneeffect.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials located further thana predetermined distance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, whereinsubjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD are notobligated to be detached from medical equipment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of passing the medical equipment tubing through theconduit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments inwhich the invention may be practiced. It is understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. The present inventionmay be practiced according to the claims without some or all of thesespecific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that isknown in the technical fields related to the invention has not beendescribed in detail so that the present invention is not necessarilyobscured. In the accompanying drawing:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the RF spectrum and its sources;

FIG. 2 shows the result of the zipper artifact on MRI imaging;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of an MRI device with no shielding means andinfringing magnet within an active RF environment (200);

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an MRI device with shielding means and aninfringing magnet within an active RF environment (200);

FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the U shapedconduit, in a side view profile;

FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the U shapedconduit, in a side view profile;

FIG. 4C is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the U shapedconduit, in a side view profile;

FIG. 4D is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the U shapedconduit, in a perspective view, illustrating an embodiment of thelongitudinal axis wall;

FIG. 4E is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the U shapedconduit, in a perspective view, illustrating an embodiment of thelongitudinal axis wall;

FIG. 4F is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the U shapedconduit, in a perspective view, illustrating an embodiment of thelongitudinal axis wall; and,

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of test setup for evaluating theImmunity of Wrist II MRI to radiated disturbances at Cellular, Wi-Fi andRFID frequencies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of thepresent invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to makeuse of the invention and set forth the best modes contemplated by theinventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however,will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the genericprinciples of the present invention is defined to specifically providean MRI device have increased radio interference immunity (RII),decreased interfering effect on the RF environment and decreasedmagnetic attraction. The special features of the MRI device enable it tooperate in an active RF-magnetic environment. The MRI device does notaffect interfere with the RF environment as well as does not impose itsmagnetic affect. In addition, ferromagnetic items and RF transmittingelectronic device does not interfere with the imaging properties of theMRI device.

An MRI device can affect and be affected on two levels: RF interferenceand magnetic field. It can cause RF interference to nearby electronicdevices and be affected by them as well. The magnetism of the MRI can beaffected by nearby ferromagnetic objects as well as its magnetic fieldmay affect them.

The term “electromagnetic interference” interchangeably refershereinafter to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and radio-frequencyinterference (RFI), derived from electromagnetic radiation,electromagnetic induction, magnetism, electrostatic fields etc., thataffect any electrical circuit, or imaging device such as MRD, NMR, ESR,NQR, CT, US, etc. This interference is derived from any source naturalor artificial such as earth magnetic field, atmospheric noise, movingmasses of metal, electrical lines, subways, cellular communicationequipment, electrical devices, TV and radio stations, elevators, etc.This interference can interrupt, obstruct, degrade, limit, result infalse data, etc., the effective performance of the circuit or device.

The term “medical equipment” interchangeably refers hereinafter to alldevices, tubes, connectors, wires, liquid carriers, needles, sensors,etc., that are used by medical staff in association with the patient.This medical equipment is used for various purposes such as lifesupport, ventilating, temperature regulating, MRI contras solutioninjection, monitoring of cardio and breathing rates, viewing thepatient, fluids transport, performing surgical operation, moving atleast a part of the patient, etc.

The term “medical equipment tubing” interchangeably refers hereinafterto all tubes, cables, connectors, wires, liquid carriers, gas carriers,electrical wires, monitoring cables, viewing cables, data cables etc.that is used in connection to medical equipment or physical environmentmaintenance or monitoring.

The term “waveguide” interchangeably refers hereinafter to a structurethat guides waves, such as electromagnetic waves or sound waves. Thegeometry of a waveguide reflects its function. Wave guides areconstructed in different forms such as a hollow shape, solid rod, wire,etc. They are typically constructed from either conductive or dielectricmaterials. The frequency of the transmitted wave also dictates the shapeof a waveguide. As depicted in Wikipedia, electromagnetic wavepropagation along the axis of the waveguide is described by the waveequation, which is derived from Maxwell's equations, and where thewavelength depends upon the structure of the waveguide, and the materialwithin it (air, plastic, vacuum, etc.), as well as on the frequency ofthe wave.

The term “RF filter” interchangeably refers hereinafter to componentsdesigned to filter signals in the MHz to GHz frequency ranges. Thisfrequency range is the range used by most broadcast radio, television,wireless communication. These components exert some kind of filtering onthe signals transmitted or received. The filters could be active orpassive such as waffle-iron filter, mechanical RF filter, etc. RFfilters are usually placed when there is need to pass an electrical wirein or out of an MRD enclosure to ensure that the EMI does not couple onthe conductive wiring. These filters could be of passive components suchas a combination of inductors and capacitors.

The term “hinge” interchangeably refers hereinafter to any connection inwhich one part is movable in respect to the other. The parts could beconnected by a flexible mechanism or material, joint, hook, thread,axis, juncture, turning point, fold, bend, elbow, knee, corner, fork,axis, pole, pivot, ball and socket, condyloid joint, mechanical device,hinge, barrel hinge, pivot hinges, double-acting floor hinge,butt/mortise hinges, case hinges, continuous hinges, piano hinges,concealed hinges, cup hinge, euro hinge, butterfly hinges, parliamenthinge, flag hinges, strap hinges, H hinges, HL hinges, counter-flaphinge, flush hinge, coach hinge, rising butt hinge, double action springhinge, tee hinge, friction hinge, security hinge, cranked hinge,storm-proof hinge, lift-off hinge, self-closing hinge, butt hinge, etc.

The term “RF shielding” refers hereinafter to electromagnetic shieldingthat blocks radio frequency electromagnetic radiation.

The term “about” refers to a value being 20 percent greater or smallerthan the defined measure.

The term “zipper effect” refers hereinafter to the effect caused byexternal interference resulting from external RF fields, as those causedby open doors, radios mobile telephones, electronic controls, etc. Theseemit interfering electromagnetic signals that hamper MRI image quality.Zipper effect appears as a region of increased noise with a width of 1or 2 pixels that extends perpendicular to the frequency encodingdirection, throughout the mage series. To date, in order to prevent thisartifact, MRI devices are installed in RF free rooms (Faraday cages).Zipper artifact by Dr Jeremy Jones and Dr Usman Bashir et al. isincorporated here as a reference (See currently available internet linkhttp://radiopaedia.org/articles/zipper-artifact).

The term “Herringbone artifact” refers hereinafter to an artifactappearing as a herringbone pattern scattered over the whole image in anydirection on one slice or on multiple slices. The causes of this aremany and various, e.g. electromagnetic spikes created by the gradients,electronic equipment inside the MR procedure room, or fluctuating ACcurrent. Also known as Crisscross artifact. MRI: The Basics by RayHashman Hashemi, William G. Bradley, Christopher J. Lisanti, 2003, byLippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2^(nd) Ed., is brought here as areference.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, In a uniformnon-fringing magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD), an RF shieldingmeans for providing radio interference immunity (RII) to the UNF-MRDfrom RF-electromagnetic environment surrounding the same; wherein no RFand magnetic interference between the UNF-MRD and the RF-electromagneticenvironment are generated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD comprising (a) a main longitudinal axis with a distal andproximal ends; (b) an open bore extended along the axis and terminatedby an aperture located in the proximal end; and (c) a closure assemblywhich is shaped to fit the aperture.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the RFshielding means comprises an RF shielding conduit (RFSC), havingapertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from theexternal environment of the UNF-MRD to inner space of the bore, affixedto the closure assembly, the conduit is characterized by a length (l)and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined value n, therebyproviding RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRFSC is connected in a non-protruding manner to the closure assembly,thereby indirect access is provided between the bore and the externalenvironment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRFSC profile along the width is of a shape selected from a groupconsisting of: curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape, C-shaped, V-shaped,W-shaped, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, cylinder, polygonal, straightfaced, curved, closed shape, open shape and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRFSC comprises a wall along the length; the wall is of a shape selectedfrom a group consisting of: straight, curved, polygonal, symmetrical,non symmetrical and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein atleast a portion of the RFSC comprises electromagnetic conductivematerial.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theconduit is configured to shield the passage of frequencies selected froma group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 toabout 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theconduit is configured to shield electro-magnetic interference by meansselected from a group consisting of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguidefilter, attenuating material, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein atleast a portion of the RFSC comprises shielding selected from a groupconsisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRFSC is affixed to the closure assembly further comprising a hingehaving at least one first connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD andat least one second connecting member, connected to the closureassembly, further wherein at least one first connecting member ismaneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the RFshielding means comprises an RF shielding hinge (RFSH); the RFSHcomprises at least one first connecting member connected to the UNF-MRDor the open bore thereof and at least one second connecting member,connected to the closure assembly; at least one first connecting memberis maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member; theRFSH comprising a conduit, having apertures shaped to permit passage ofmedical equipment tubing from the external environment of the MRD toinner space of the bore, the conduit having a length (l) and width (w)is provided within at least a portion of the one first member, at leasta portion of the one second member or in at least a portion of bothmembers; l:w ratio is greater than a predefined value n, thereby RFshielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRFSH member connected to the UNF-MRD is connected at a location selectedfrom a group consisting of: at least a portion of the UNF-MRD externalwall, within at least a portion of the bore, at least a portion of theUNF-MRD aperture perimeter and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thehinge first connecting member is connected at a location, in respect tothe UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a group consisting of: left, right,below, above and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein atleast a portion of the RFSH comprises shielding selected from a groupconsisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theconduit is configured to shield the passage of frequencies selected froma group consisting of: 0-1000 MHz, 0-500 MHz, 0-200 MHz and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theconduit is configured to shield electro-magnetic interference by meansselected from a group of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter,attenuating material, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the RFinterference is within a predetermined range.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein therange is selected from a group consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the RFshielding means reject frequencies in within a predetermined range.

The RF shielding means of claim 19, wherein the range is selected from agroup consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about0 to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRF-electromagnetic environment includes an item selected from a groupconsisting of RF welders, electronic article surveillance and RFidentification devices, cordless phones, FM and AM broadcasting andreceiving devices, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the RFinterference is selected from a group consisting of continuousinterference, transient interference, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined value is about 100 dB.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein themagnetic field within a predetermined radius from the UNF-MRD is lessthan a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the predeterminedvalue is less than about 20 mT.

20 mT is the weakest magnetism that may erase information from a creditcard.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRII provides no zipper effect in images produced by the UNF-MRD.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD provides images with no Herringbone effect.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials located further thana predetermined distance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method foreliminating RF interference between a uniform non-fringing magneticfield resonance device (UNF-MRD) and an RF-electromagnetic environmentsurrounding the same, comprising steps of: (a) obtaining a UNF-MRD; and,(b) embedding RF shielding means; the RF shielding means provides radiointerference immunity (RII) to the UNF-MRD from RF-electromagneticenvironment; thereby, no RF and magnetic interference between theUNF-MRD and the RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a main longitudinalaxis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open bore extended alongthe axis and terminated by an aperture located in the proximal end; and(c) a closure assembly which is shaped to fit the aperture.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit (RFSC) for the RFshielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped to permit passage ofmedical equipment tubing from the external environment of the UNF-MRD toinner space of the bore, affixed to the closure assembly, wherein theconduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio isgreater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a non-protruding manner tothe closure assembly, thereby providing indirect access between the boreand the external environment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along the width is of ashape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape,C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, cylinder,polygonal, straight faced, curved, closed shape, open shape and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing a wall along the length; the wall is of ashape selected from a group consisting of: straight, curved, polygonal,symmetrical, non-symmetrical and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,electromagnetic conductive material.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group consistingof: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,shielding selected from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RFshielding, physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure assembly furthercomprising a hinge having at least one first connecting member connectedto the UNF-MRD and at least one second connecting member, connected tothe closure assembly, further wherein at least one first connectingmember is maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge (RFSH) for the RFshielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one first connecting memberconnected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore thereof and at least onesecond connecting member, connected to the closure assembly; at leastone first connecting member is maneuverably coupled to at least onesecond connecting member; the RFSH comprising a conduit, havingapertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from theexternal environment of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduithaving a length (l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portionof the one first member, at least a portion of the one second member orin at least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than apredefined value n, thereby RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the UNF-MRD isconnected at a location selected from a group consisting of: at least aportion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at least a portion of thebore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD aperture perimeter and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the hinge first connecting member at alocation, in respect to the UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a groupconsisting of: left, right, below, above and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting at least a portion of the RFSH comprisesshielding from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding,physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group of:waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of defining the RF interference within a predeterminedrange.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means frequencies inwithin a predetermined range.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRF-electromagnetic environment includes an item selected from a groupconsisting of RF welders, electronic article surveillance and RFidentification devices, cordless phones, FM and AM broadcasting andreceiving devices, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RF interference from a groupconsisting of continuous interference, transient interference, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined value is about 100 dB.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein themagnetic field within a predetermined radius from the UNF-MRD is lessthan a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the predeterminedvalue is less than about 20 mT.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing no zipper effect by the RII in imagesproduced by the UNF-MRD.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images with no Herringboneeffect.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials located further thana predetermined distance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, whereinsubjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD are notobligated to be detached from medical equipment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of passing the medical equipment tubing through theconduit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method formanufacturing a uniform non-fringing magnetic field resonance device(UNF-MRD) for imaging within an RF-electromagnetic environmentsurrounding the same, comprising steps of: (a) obtaining an UNF-MRD;and, (b) embedding RF shielding means; the RF shielding means providesradio interference immunity (RII) to the UNF-MRD from RF-electromagneticenvironment; thereby, no RF and magnetic interference between theUNF-MRD and the RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a main longitudinalaxis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open bore extended alongthe axis and terminated by an aperture located in the proximal end; and(c) a closure assembly which is shaped to fit the aperture.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit (RFSC) for the RFshielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped to permit passage ofmedical equipment tubing from the external environment of the UNF-MRD toinner space of the bore, affixed to the closure assembly, wherein theconduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio isgreater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a non-protruding manner tothe closure assembly, thereby providing indirect access between the boreand the external environment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along the width is of ashape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape,C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, cylinder,polygonal, straight faced, curved, closed shape, open shape and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing a wall along the length; the wall is of ashape selected from a group consisting of: straight, curved, polygonal,symmetrical, non symmetrical and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,electromagnetic conductive material.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group consistingof: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,shielding selected from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RFshielding, physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure assembly furthercomprising a hinge having at least one first connecting member connectedto the UNF-MRD and at least one second connecting member, connected tothe closure assembly, further wherein at least one first connectingmember is maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge (RFSH) for the RFshielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one first connecting memberconnected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore thereof and at least onesecond connecting member, connected to the closure assembly; at leastone first connecting member is maneuverably coupled to at least onesecond connecting member; the RFSH comprising a conduit, havingapertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from theexternal environment of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduithaving a length (l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portionof the one first member, at least a portion of the one second member orin at least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than apredefined value n, thereby RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the UNF-MRD isconnected at a location selected from a group consisting of: at least aportion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at least a portion of thebore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD aperture perimeter and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the hinge first connecting member at alocation, in respect to the UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a groupconsisting of: left, right, below, above and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting at least a portion of the RFSH comprisesshielding from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding,physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group of:waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of defining the RF interference within a predeterminedrange.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means frequencies inwithin a predetermined range.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRF-electromagnetic environment includes an item selected from a groupconsisting of RF welders, electronic article surveillance and RFidentification devices, cordless phones, FM and AM broadcasting andreceiving devices, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RF interference from a groupconsisting of continuous interference, transient interference, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined value is about 100 dB.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein themagnetic field within a predetermined radius from the UNF-MRD is lessthan a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the predeterminedvalue is less than about 20 mT.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing no zipper effect by the RII in imagesproduced by the UNF-MRD.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images with no Herringboneeffect.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials located further thana predetermined distance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, whereinsubjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD are notobligated to be detached from medical equipment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of passing the medical equipment tubing through theconduit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a standard ofcare (SOC) method for imaging a uniform non-fringing magnetic fieldresonance device (UNF-MRD) for imaging within an RF-electromagneticenvironment surrounding the same, comprising steps of: (a) obtaining anUNF-MRD; and, (b) embedding RF shielding means; the RF shielding meansprovides radio interference immunity (RII) to the UNF-MRD fromRF-electromagnetic environment; thereby, no RF and magnetic interferencebetween the UNF-MRD and the RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a main longitudinalaxis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open bore extended alongthe axis and terminated by an aperture located in the proximal end; and(c) a closure assembly which is shaped to fit the aperture.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit (RFSC) for the RFshielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped to permit passage ofmedical equipment tubing from the external environment of the UNF-MRD toinner space of the bore, affixed to the closure assembly, wherein theconduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio isgreater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a non-protruding manner tothe closure assembly, thereby providing indirect access between the boreand the external environment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along the width is of ashape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape,C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, cylinder,polygonal, straight faced, curved, closed shape, open shape and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing a wall along the length; the wall is of ashape selected from a group consisting of: straight, curved, polygonal,symmetrical, non symmetrical and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,electromagnetic conductive material.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group consistingof: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing, to at least a portion of the RFSC,shielding selected from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RFshielding, physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure assembly furthercomprising a hinge having at least one first connecting member connectedto the UNF-MRD and at least one second connecting member, connected tothe closure assembly, further wherein at least one first connectingmember is maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge (RFSH) for the RFshielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one first connecting memberconnected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore thereof and at least onesecond connecting member, connected to the closure assembly; at leastone first connecting member is maneuverably coupled to at least onesecond connecting member; the RFSH comprising a conduit, havingapertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from theexternal environment of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduithaving a length (l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portionof the one first member, at least a portion of the one second member orin at least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than apredefined value n, thereby RF shielding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the UNF-MRD isconnected at a location selected from a group consisting of: at least aportion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at least a portion of thebore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD aperture perimeter and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of connecting the hinge first connecting member at alocation, in respect to the UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a groupconsisting of: left, right, below, above and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting at least a portion of the RFSH comprisesshielding from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding,physical shielding and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield the passage offrequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield theelectro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group of:waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of defining the RF interference within a predeterminedrange.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means frequencies inwithin a predetermined range.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the range from a group consisting of: (a)from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; andany combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRF-electromagnetic environment includes an item selected from a groupconsisting of RF welders, electronic article surveillance and RFidentification devices, cordless phones, FM and AM broadcasting andreceiving devices, and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of selecting the RF interference from a groupconsisting of continuous interference, transient interference, and anycombination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theRII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined value is about 100 dB.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein themagnetic field within a predetermined radius from the UNF-MRD is lessthan a predetermined value.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the predeterminedvalue is less than about 20 mT.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing no zipper effect by the RII in imagesproduced by the UNF-MRD.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images with no Herringboneeffect.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein theUNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials located further thana predetermined distance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein thepredetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, whereinsubjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD are notobligated to be detached from medical equipment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, additionallycomprising a step of passing the medical equipment tubing through theconduit.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which schematically illustrates the RFspectrum and its sources. It can be deduced from the table that an MRIdevice transmits in the range of about 10 to 100 MHz and therefore willmostly affect and be affected by other electronic device transmitting inthe same range. Other electronic devices transmitting in this range aremainly RF welders (10 to 100 MHz), electronic article surveillance andRF identification (100 KHz to 5 GHz), cordless phones (1 MHz to 5 GHz),FM and AM broadcasting (100 KHz to 50 MHz and 50 to 100 MHz),respectively.

The result of RF interference on the function of an MRI device will bemostly on the imaging quality causing artifacts and noise. For example,the zipper effect, resulting from inhomogeneity of the magnetic fieldcaused by interferences with radio frequency from various sources,appear as dashed lines as can be seen in FIG. 2.

The MRI's RF may also interfere with other electronic devices: it maydisrupt radio broadcasting, it may reduce the sound quality of cordlessphones (signal/noise ratio) and its reception range, it may disturb thefunction of RFID and electronic article surveillance by increasing theirinterference rejection.

The MRI magnet may affect ferromagnetic objects mainly by the missileeffect in which ferromagnetic objects can be withdrawn into the MRIdevice in a very strong force. It may also cause a Torque effect onpacemakers that compromises their function and affect the homogeneity ofother magnetic fields in its surrounding (for example, neighboring MRIdevices.

The homogeneity of the MRI's magnet may be compromised by ferromagneticobjects in its surroundings, thus reducing the imaging quality of thedevice.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 (200), which illustrates an MRI device(210) and its interactions with an RF transceiving device (220)(cordless phone in this example). FIG. 3A illustrates the interactionsof an MRI comprising an infringing magnet and no RF shielding means andFIG. 3B illustrates an MRI device comprising a non-infringing magnet andRF shielding means (230). The RF shielding means may be either awaveguide or a Faraday cage.

The RF emitted from the cordless phone is indicated 230A and 230B inFIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively. In FIG. 3A, in which the MRI device islacking shielding means, the RF emitted from the cordless phone (230A)is emitted within the MRI device, thus interfering the device's RF. Incontrast, in an MRI device having RF shielding means (230) the RFemitted from the cordless phone (230B) does not enter the device andtherefore does not affects its function. In a similar manner, the RFemitted from the MRI device (240) not having shielding means interfereswith the cordless phone while in the MRI device having shielding meansthe MRI's RF remains trapped with the device. In addition, the MRIdevice in FIG. 3A has a fringing magnet that exerts stronger and broadermagnetic field (250A) in comparison to an MRI comprising an infringingmagnet the exerts a much weaker and narrower magnetic field (250B)

An MRI device having shielding means and infringing magnet makes itpossible to carry out imaging process within an active RF environment.For example, it is possible to image with an MRI within an emergencyroom, which utilizes cordless phones and RFID tags for identifyingpatients. Utilizing this kind of MRI will enable receiving accurateimaging data without compromising the function of other electronicdevices. It will also prevent hazardous consequences usually existingwith an infringing magnet.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the RF shielding meanscomprising a U-shaped (e.g., U-shape, C-shape, W-shape etc.) conduithaving an array of distal and proximal sealing walls, both aresubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having upwardsand downwards directions, and a recess in between the walls havinglength (upwards to downwards direction) and width (distal to proximaldirection), wherein each of the proximal wall and the distal wall ishaving an aperture at opposite directions, and wherein in the recess,the ratio of length to width is greater than a predefined value n. Thespecial structure of the conduit enables RF shielding whilst stillkeeping an opening for medical tubes to passage so a patient will notneed to be detached from medical equipment he is connected to(respirator, intravenous feeding, etc.).

Reference is now made to FIG. 4A schematically illustrating, in an outof scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment theU-shaped profile of the conduit (100) comprises walls connected instraight angles to one another.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4B schematically illustrating, in an outof scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment theU-shaped profile of the conduit (100) is a curved profile.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4C schematically illustrating, in an outof scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment theU-shaped profile of the conduit (100) is a non-symmetrical multifacetedshape profile.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4D schematically illustrating, in an outof scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment theconduit wall (16) along its longitudinal axis is a straight planarsurface.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4E schematically illustrating, in an outof scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment theconduit wall (17) along its longitudinal axis is a curved surface.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4F schematically illustrating, in an outof scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment theconduit wall (18) along its longitudinal axis is a multi-facet surface.

Example 1

Immunity to radiated disturbances at Cellular, Wi-Fi and RFIDfrequencies of a Wrist II MRI was tested by the Standards Institution ofIsrael. The Wrist II MRI is a uniform non-fringing magnetic fieldresonance device (UNF-MRD) comprising RF shielding means.

The objective of the test was to study the performance of the machineunder cellular. Wi-Fi or RFID disturbance. The disturbance atfrequencies representing Cellular, Wi-Fi and RFID was applied to allsides and interconnecting cables of equipment under test (EUT). Thedisturbance signal was transmitted by monopole antenna with 5 cmdistance from EUT surface. The test setup can be viewed in FIG. 5.

The disturbance at frequencies representing Cellular, Wi-Fi and RFID wasapplied to all sides and interconnecting cables of EUT. The disturbancesignal was transmitted by monopole antenna with 5 cm distance from EUTsurface. Results can be viewed in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Amplifier Freq. Forward Type of Ca- Com- (MHz) power (W)Modulation Magnet bles Rack puter 800-900 2 PM, DC 50%, PASS PASS PASSPASS Rep rate 100 Hz 1700-1900 2 PM, DC 50%, PASS PASS PASS PASS Reprate 100 Hz 2400-2500 2 PM, DC 50%, PASS PASS PASS PASS Rep rate 100 Hz13.56 2 PM, DC 50%, PASS PASS PASS PASS Rep rate 100 Hz

Performance criteria of the test: no change in performance of EUT isallowed during disturbance application; Program running at the EUTduring the test: AMF 1.2.0.6; Running mode: MRI Scan. Conclusions of thetest: no change in performance was observed during the test andtherefore the Wrist II MRI is immune to RF radiation at least in theranges tested.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a uniform non-fringing magnetic fieldresonance device (UNF-MRD), an RF shielding means either embedded withinor in connection with said UNF-MRD for providing said UNF-MRD a radiointerference immunity (RII) from RF-electromagnetic environmentsurrounding the same wherein said UNF-MRD is compatible withferromagnetic materials located further than a predetermined distance of0.5 meters.
 2. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said UNF-MRDis characterized by a main longitudinal axis with a distal and proximalends and comprises (a) an open bore extended along said axis andterminated by an aperture located in said proximal end and (b), aclosure assembly which is shaped to fit said aperture.
 3. The RFshielding means of claim 2, wherein said RF shielding means comprises anRF shielding conduit (RFSC), having apertures shaped to permit passageof medical equipment tubing from the external environment of saidUNF-MRD to inner space of said bore, affixed to said closure assembly,said conduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratiois greater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF shielding. 4.The RF shielding means of claim 3, wherein said RFSC is connected in anon-protruding manner to said closure assembly, thereby indirect accessis provided between said bore and said external environment.
 5. The RFshielding means of claim 3, wherein said RFSC profile along said widthis of a shape selected from a group consisting of: curved U-shape,polygonal U-shape, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical,non-symmetrical, cylinder, polygonal, straight faced, curved, closedshape, open shape and any combination thereof.
 6. The RF shielding meansof claim 3, wherein said RFSC comprises a wall along said length; saidwall is of a shape selected from a group consisting of: straight,curved, polygonal, symmetrical, non symmetrical and any combinationthereof.
 7. The RF shielding means of claim 3, wherein at least aportion of said RFSC comprises electromagnetic conductive material. 8.The RF shielding means of claim 3, wherein said conduit is configured toshield the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and anycombination thereof.
 9. The RF shielding means of claim 3, wherein saidconduit is configured to shield electro-magnetic interference by meansselected from a group consisting of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguidefilter, attenuating material, and any combination thereof.
 10. The RFshielding means of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of said RFSCcomprises shielding selected from a group consisting of: magneticshielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any combination thereof.11. The RF shielding means of claim 3, wherein said RFSC is affixed tosaid closure assembly further comprising a hinge having at least onefirst connecting member connected to said UNF-MRD and at least onesecond connecting member, connected to said closure assembly, furtherwherein said at least one first connecting member is maneuverablycoupled to said at least one second connecting member.
 12. The RFshielding means of claim 2, wherein said RF shielding means comprises anRF shielding hinge (RFSH); said RFSH comprises at least one firstconnecting member connected to said UNF-MRD or said open bore thereofand at least one second connecting member, connected to said closureassembly; said at least one first connecting member is maneuverablycoupled to said at least one second connecting member; said RFSHcomprising a conduit, having apertures shaped to permit passage ofmedical equipment tubing from the external environment of said MRD toinner space of said bore, said conduit having a length (l) and width (w)is provided within at least a portion of said one first member, at leasta portion of said one second member or in at least a portion of bothmembers; l:w ratio is greater than a predefined value n, thereby RFshielding.
 13. The RF shielding means of claim 12, wherein said RFSHmember connected to said UNF-MRD is connected at a location selectedfrom a group consisting of: at least a portion of said UNF-MRD externalwall, within at least a portion of said bore, at least a portion of saidUNF-MRD aperture perimeter and any combination thereof.
 14. The RFshielding means of claim 12, wherein said hinge first connecting memberis connected at a location, in respect to said UNF-MRD aperture,selected from a group consisting of: left, right, below, above and anycombination thereof.
 15. The RF shielding means of claim 12, wherein atleast a portion of said RFSH comprises shielding selected from a groupconsisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding andany combination thereof.
 16. The RF shielding means of claim 12, whereinsaid conduit is configured to shield the passage of frequencies selectedfrom a group consisting of: 0-1000 MHz, 0-500 MHz, 0-200 MHz and anycombination thereof.
 17. The RF shielding means of claim 12, whereinsaid conduit is configured to shield electro-magnetic interference bymeans selected from a group of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter,attenuating material, and any combination thereof.
 18. The RF shieldingmeans of claim 1, wherein said RF interference is within a predeterminedrange.
 19. The RF shielding means of claim 18, wherein said range isselected from a group consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz;(b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz;(d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
 20. TheRF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said RF shielding means rejectfrequencies in within a predetermined range.
 21. The RF shielding meansof claim 20, wherein said range is selected from a group consisting of:(a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz;(c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz;and any combination thereof.
 22. The RF shielding means of claim 1,wherein said RF-electromagnetic environment includes an item selectedfrom a group consisting of RF welders, electronic article surveillanceand RF identification devices, cordless phones, FM and AM broadcastingand receiving devices, and any combination thereof.
 23. The RF shieldingmeans of claim 1, wherein said RF interference is selected from a groupconsisting of continuous interference, transient interference, and anycombination thereof.
 24. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein saidRII provided by said shielding is above a predetermined value.
 25. TheRF shielding means of claim 24, wherein said predetermined value isabout 100 dB.
 26. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein themagnetic field within a predetermined radius from said UNF-MRD is lessthan a predetermined value.
 27. The RF shielding means of claim 26,wherein said predetermined radius is less than about 0.5 and saidpredetermined value is less than about 20 mT.
 28. The RF shielding meansof claim 1, wherein said RII provides no zipper effect in imagesproduced by said UNF-MRD.
 29. The RF shielding means of claim 1, whereinsaid UNF-MRD provides images with no Herringbone effect.